IT Certifications and Careers (Official Discussion Thread)

[BrooklynBuckets]

Hey Brehs,

I'm posting for accountability, going for my CCNA in August and want to start to really dig in through Jeremy's IT Lab's, Flashcards, and lecture videos. I'm going for 3 cycles of review of both labs, lecture videos(1 cycle down), and flashcards before taking it in August. I'll be purchasing the Boson Practice Exam to see where I stand.

I had exposure to CCNA material as it was apart of curriculum while in HS just never took the exam to get the official certification, so I'm picking up concepts and CLI commands fairly easy, wanting to really exercise theory and praticical application to pull it all together now.

I have a couple years of desktop support experience, and currently in college ending sophomore year of a Information Systems bachelor's degree. I'm in a help desk internship for the summer to throw more experience on the resume because I want to springboard out help desk roles fast.

I want to grab the CCNA to reach new height's in IT specifically to get out of help desk and have access to higher paying upwardly mobile roles etc Jr Sys/Net Admin, NOC Tech, or Network Tech.

The current goal is a race to six figures+ through any role but the path I'm conceptualizing is CCNA -> grab as much internships before graduation -> Additional certs ( Sec+. Azure, AWS) and use networking experience pre & post graduation to make a hard pivot into cloud i.e cloud artitech, cloud engineer, or cloud admin.

Networking is a foundational IT skill, and I know with the CCNA I'll be able pivot into cloud as I'll be likely working in hybrid environments.

The biggest concerns now are just getting out of help desk internships/roles into network roles for more relevant experience, and finding mentors that I wish to be like to copy their paths.

 

[blackgentlemenvoice]

Hey Brehs,

I'm posting for accountability, going for my CCNA in August and want to start to really dig in through Jeremy's IT Lab's, Flashcards, and lecture videos. I'm going for 3 cycles of review of both labs, lecture videos(1 cycle down), and flashcards before taking it in August. I'll be purchasing the Boson Practice Exam to see where I stand.

I had exposure to CCNA material as it was apart of curriculum while in HS just never took the exam to get the official certification, so I'm picking up concepts and CLI commands fairly easy, wanting to really exercise theory and praticical application to pull it all together now.

I have a couple years of desktop support experience, and currently in college ending sophomore year of a Information Systems bachelor's degree. I'm in a help desk internship for the summer to throw more experience on the resume because I want to springboard out help desk roles fast.

I want to grab the CCNA to reach new height's in IT specifically to get out of help desk and have access to higher paying upwardly mobile roles etc Jr Sys/Net Admin, NOC Tech, or Network Tech.

The current goal is a race to six figures+ through any role but the path I'm conceptualizing is CCNA -> grab as much internships before graduation -> Additional certs ( Sec+. Azure, AWS) and use networking experience pre & post graduation to make a hard pivot into cloud i.e cloud artitech, cloud engineer, or cloud admin.

Networking is a foundational IT skill, and I know with the CCNA I'll be able pivot into cloud as I'll be likely working in hybrid environments.

The biggest concerns now are just getting out of help desk internships/roles into network roles for more relevant experience, and finding mentors that I wish to be like to copy their paths.

i know you can accomplish it man.

if you dont mind what state are you in and how much did you make starting out for helpdesk vs now?

that my current goal once i get my a+

 

[Cynic]

IBM just added 3 modules to it’s Data engineering course. Off course they put Cognos all up in the videos

 

[Imhotep2]

Hey Brehs,

I'm posting for accountability, going for my CCNA in August and want to start to really dig in through Jeremy's IT Lab's, Flashcards, and lecture videos. I'm going for 3 cycles of review of both labs, lecture videos(1 cycle down), and flashcards before taking it in August. I'll be purchasing the Boson Practice Exam to see where I stand.

I had exposure to CCNA material as it was apart of curriculum while in HS just never took the exam to get the official certification, so I'm picking up concepts and CLI commands fairly easy, wanting to really exercise theory and praticical application to pull it all together now.

I have a couple years of desktop support experience, and currently in college ending sophomore year of a Information Systems bachelor's degree. I'm in a help desk internship for the summer to throw more experience on the resume because I want to springboard out help desk roles fast.

I want to grab the CCNA to reach new height's in IT specifically to get out of help desk and have access to higher paying upwardly mobile roles etc Jr Sys/Net Admin, NOC Tech, or Network Tech.

The current goal is a race to six figures+ through any role but the path I'm conceptualizing is CCNA -> grab as much internships before graduation -> Additional certs ( Sec+. Azure, AWS) and use networking experience pre & post graduation to make a hard pivot into cloud i.e cloud artitech, cloud engineer, or cloud admin.

Networking is a foundational IT skill, and I know with the CCNA I'll be able pivot into cloud as I'll be likely working in hybrid environments.

The biggest concerns now are just getting out of help desk internships/roles into network roles for more relevant experience, and finding mentors that I wish to be like to copy their paths.

Excellent choice breh, you're gonna go far. A strong networking background will allow you to pivot into anything you want in IT, especially cloud. This is is what i did except I did it through the military.

You should look into defense. Companies like GDIT, Booz Allen, Lockheed, Amazon, CACI, TEKsystems, KRB, Leidos, etc are hiring network admins/sysadmins and junior network engineers. Your degree and CCNA is good for an entry level position, you'll just need sec+ and get sponsored for a clearance.

The cleared IT world is completely different than non cleared. We dont worry about layoffs and our jobs can't be outsourced and we also command higher salaries. I finished a 2 year stint in Qatar and made $200K+ per year and that was more in the mid end. The DOD is transitioning to cloud services and are giving these contractors massive contracts, our job listing site is clearancejobs.com and there's plenty of listings like this with remote/hybrid cloud positions starting at $300K

https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/7712789/cloud-engineer

 

[Sonny Bonds]

I passed the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam yesterday. I need to be more consistent with my studying if I'm going to pass any of the other exams.

I started off studying everyday, but then got bored sometimes. I think the course I was watching from A Cloud Guru was too long. And I was annoyed at myself for taking so long to study for this basic exam that I started to rush myself in the last week or so.

 

[Tr0yTV]

Just took the CompTIA SecurityX beta. Didn’t study. It was harder than I expected. For $50 it was worth the gamble

 

[yourgod]

I'm want to switch careers by the end of this year. Taking a course on Fundamentals until my new job starts on the 27. then A+ in July.
hoping to apply for help desk jobs by oct

anyone else switching or starting and looking for accountability

I took a month off after graduating in June, I plan on applying to help desk jobs by august. Gonna do some home labs this month and look into sc-300. Finally time to switch careers!

 

[BaileyPark31]

Google Cybersecurity


does anyone have an opinion on taking this course.

I'm a nurse, but I just want to do something different (preferably from home)

Would this course alone get me an entry level remote job? The pay isn't super important because I'll continue nursing part time.

 

[Rhyme n Tekniq]

Google Cybersecurity


does anyone have an opinion on taking this course.

I'm a nurse, but I just want to do something different (preferably from home)

Would this course alone get me an entry level remote job? The pay isn't super important because I'll continue nursing part time.

Skip, only get this cert if an employer will pay for it, The study materials are WOAT for this cert, leave it alone.

for the express purpose of finding a job

1. Earn a Sec+
2. find work as a level 1 SOC/NOC person
3. Earn CySA+ and some beginner cloud certs --I'd reccomend AWS certs
4. get about a year of experience and keep leveling up as you

alternative route

Check out Level Up In Tech Cloud Program

I know a couple people that got jobs through this program -


Also how much do you know already as far as IT goes?

 

[BaileyPark31]

Skip, only get this cert if an employer will pay for it, The study materials are WOAT for this cert, leave it alone.

for the express purpose of finding a job

1. Earn a Sec+
2. find work as a level 1 SOC/NOC person
3. Earn CySA+ and some beginner cloud certs --I'd reccomend AWS certs
4. get about a year of experience and keep leveling up as you

alternative route

Check out Level Up In Tech Cloud Program

I know a couple people that got jobs through this program -


Also how much do you know already as far as IT goes?

Honesty, I know very little about IT.

I was just looking for something steady I could do from home if I decide to return back to school to further my nursing.

Freelance blogging / writing is very inconsistent work.

 

[BrooklynBuckets]

CCNA study update Brehs

I completed one cycle of both theory and lab exposure. I started working on flashcards for retaining theory, and are working through the 63 count of that.

I’m still working through the practical lab cycle as I spilt the initial lab run into a exposure and pratical run. The pratical is just following along with a lab run through video but without any audio to think about each command. Also helps to solidify why certain things as done etc etc.

Currently just a little over than a month out for the old version of the CCNA but I’m feeling good.

 

[AyBrehHam Linkin]

Why tf haven't I worked with chatgpt sooner?!

 

[Rhyme n Tekniq]

Honesty, I know very little about IT.

I was just looking for something steady I could do from home if I decide to return back to school to further my nursing.

Freelance blogging / writing is very inconsistent work.

Well if you're that inexperienced, you need to start with the fundamentals that give you the foundational skills and knowledge.

I'm recommending studying for A+, Network+ and Security+ using Testout.com courses because they not only have video lectures, they have hands on labs; simulations of the actual technology. These labs will help the information you learn stick. Their are also plenty of practice Exams / and quizzes that include explanations for the answers.

Courses in order

1. PC Pro (covers the basics of hardware/ software / role based access control / very basic networking stuff
2. Certmaster Learn Network+ (Covers topics related to routers/switches/firewalls , theoretical stuff like the OSI model, and understanding how data traverses a network from start to destination point
3. Security+ (slightly more in-depth in regards to securing hardware/software/networks but still at the basic to intermediate level.

Testout has more courses than this but for the express purpose of learning the basics start with A+, Network+ Security+,

They offer a 7 day trial, after that, it goes to $89/month, I'd highly reccommend you use test out as it has everything you need baked into the subscription plan to give you the full learning experience, dont rack your brain worrying about other resources, you're a beginner so start with this.

Library Suite Monthly Subscription

Try TestOut FREE for 7 Days. Get full access to all CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft and EC-Council IT certification training courses. Enjoy all course material including simulations, videos, practice exams, and so much more. Advance your IT career today with the most comprehensive, hands-on training...

testoutce.com

Far as what roles to aim for for you first job,


Ideally Level 1 SOC or NOC Technician and if youre desperate to just get any job in IT ...Helpdesk Technician/ Desktop Support/ = any combination of these words lol.





Managed Solutions is a 100% remote company with regular openings, If you dont qualify for whatever position you applied to (or recently got filled), they'll at least offer another position.

again, there is no bait and switch with the remote work, its 100% remote, no hybrid, no 1-2 days in the office, none of that.

I got offered a job last year but I passed on it to go with another company I had been holding out for. They usually respond quick too. look into it

Managed Solution LLC - Job Opportunities

Managed Solution LLC Careers Page - View all jobs and opportunities at Managed Solution LLC and apply today. | Powered By Paylocity

recruiting.paylocity.com

 

[BaileyPark31]

Well if you're that inexperienced, you need to start with the fundamentals that give you the foundational skills and knowledge.

I'm recommending studying for A+, Network+ and Security+ using Testout.com courses because they not only have video lectures, they have hands on labs; simulations of the actual technology. These labs will help the information you learn stick. Their are also plenty of practice Exams / and quizzes that include explanations for the answers.

Courses in order

1. PC Pro (covers the basics of hardware/ software / role based access control / very basic networking stuff
2. Certmaster Learn Network+ (Covers topics related to routers/switches/firewalls , theoretical stuff like the OSI model, and understanding how data traverses a network from start to destination point
3. Security+ (slightly more in-depth in regards to securing hardware/software/networks but still at the basic to intermediate level.

Testout has more courses than this but for the express purpose of learning the basics start with A+, Network+ Security+,

They offer a 7 day trial, after that, it goes to $89/month, I'd highly reccommend you use test out as it has everything you need baked into the subscription plan to give you the full learning experience, dont rack your brain worrying about other resources, you're a beginner so start with this.

Library Suite Monthly Subscription

Try TestOut FREE for 7 Days. Get full access to all CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft and EC-Council IT certification training courses. Enjoy all course material including simulations, videos, practice exams, and so much more. Advance your IT career today with the most comprehensive, hands-on training...

testoutce.com

Far as what roles to aim for for you first job,


Ideally Level 1 SOC or NOC Technician and if youre desperate to just get any job in IT ...Helpdesk Technician/ Desktop Support/ = any combination of these words lol.





Managed Solutions is a 100% remote company with regular openings, If you dont qualify for whatever position you applied to (or recently got filled), they'll at least offer another position.

again, there is no bait and switch with the remote work, its 100% remote, no hybrid, no 1-2 days in the office, none of that.

I got offered a job last year but I passed on it to go with another company I had been holding out for. They usually respond quick too. look into it

Managed Solution LLC - Job Opportunities

Managed Solution LLC Careers Page - View all jobs and opportunities at Managed Solution LLC and apply today. | Powered By Paylocity

recruiting.paylocity.com

Thank you so much. It's hard to find this much relevant info all in one place.

 

[Rhyme n Tekniq]

Thank you so much. It's hard to find this much relevant info all in one place.

Its all good breh

my only advice would be to dont walk into this with the mindset that "this is just a temporary thing. Dont have a half way in mentality with I.T.
take your time to learn the fundamentals while you're new to the industry and hungry. The earning potential is vast and achievable if you devote time to knowing what you are doing. dont cut corners and BS your way up, because what you will find when you get to that a level in your career when you are around all these senior admin and engineers. they all intimately know their shyt and you wont be able BS your way into 125k salaries because those will be the guys vetting you for whatever lucrative position you end up chasing.

Tech has so many disciplines. You'll make the type of money you desire regardless of your path, just master the fundamentals early in the game

1. Certs are good and neccessary for your first few roles, but dont spend time chasing them. Chase experience.
2. Work for a good MSP, preferably one that refers to itself as a 'boutique' MSP. MSPs are where you can get boatload of Exp in a short amount of time,
3. Always be learning, a week off is cool, whole months will make you lazy